Indirect ultrasound guidance increased accuracy of the glenohumeral injection using the superior approach: a cadaveric study of injection accuracy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether or not indirect ultrasound guidance could increase the accuracy of the glenohumeral joint injection using the superior approach.

METHODS

Twelve shoulders from 7 adult cadavers were anatomically dissected after a dye injection had been performed, while the cadavers were in the supine position. Before the injection, a clinician determined the injection point using the ultrasound and the more internal axial arm rotation was compared to how it was positioned in a previous study. Injection confidence scores and injection accuracy scores were rated.

RESULTS

The clinician's confidence score was high in 92% (11 of 12 shoulders) and the injection accuracy scores were 100% (12 of 12 shoulders). The long heads of the biceps tendons were not penetrated.

CONCLUSION

Indirect ultrasound guidance and positioning shoulder adducted at 10° and internally rotated at 60°-70° during the superior glenohumeral joint injection would be an effective method to avoid damage to the long head of biceps tendons and to produce a highly accurate injection.